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Far Behind USA In NRR, Babar Azam Explains ‘Slow Approach’ Against Canada In T20 World Cup Clash

Danijones5 months ago03 mins

Babar Azam in post-match presentation ceremony© X (Twitter) Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is relieved to have logged their first win in the T20 World Cup here on Tuesday and said they couldn’t complete their chase of 107 in a lesser number of overs because of a difficult pitch. Having suffered back-to-back defeats against the USA and India in their first two Group A matches, the game against Canada was a must-win tie for Pakistan. Chasing a modest target, Pakistan rode on Mohammad Rizwan’s run-a-ball unbeaten 53 and Babar’s 33 to get over the line in 17.3 overs. “Good for us, we need this win. We started well with the bowling, in the first six overs we know we had to be up to the mark,” Babar said at the post-match presentation ceremony. “It was in our mind (to get over USA’s net run rate), to win before 14 overs but the pitch made it difficult.” After making a run-a-ball 33, Babar was out caught in the slips while trying to guide a delivery down to third man, and the dismissal left the Pakistan skipper angry. “Because I got out with the same shot twice (against India)! This is my shot but sometimes you need success. I’ll try my best.” India are currently placed atop Group A with two wins from as many matches with USA following with same number of victories. Pakistan have climbed up to the third spot with two points from three games ahead of Canada and Ireland. Canada captain Saad Bin Zafar felt it was a difficult wicket to bat early on. “Definitely, it was a bit disappointing. We wanted to play a positive brand of cricket and I think the wicket was not very helpful. It was difficult to bat early on – not a good toss to lose. We were about 25 to 30 runs short,” he said. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

“You Fooled Public, Got Friends Into The Team”: Ahmed Shehzad Blasts Babar Azam In Fiery Rant

Danijones5 months ago05 mins

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is critics’ favourite target at the moment. With his team losing the first two matches of the T20 World Cup 2024, to the USA and India respectively, Babar’s been the focal point of criticism coming from former cricketers, fans, and pundits. Even Ahmed Shehzad, an active Pakistani cricketer, tore into Babar and shredded his reputation on a television channel in Pakistan. Shehzad shed light on Babar’s poor statistics in big competitions and suggested that the Pakistan skipper averages only 27 in T20I cricket when it comes to big events. In a fiery rant on live television, Shehzad said that Pakistan have been losing to mediocre sides under Babar’s captaincy, and even also been losing to top teams’ B, C and D squads. “Jab se Babar Azam captain hain, hum bohot mediocre, sorry for using this word, teams se haar rahe hain (ever since Babar became captain, we have been losing to mediocre teams),” said. Ahmed Shehzad, “Jab ap har jaye to Babar Azam bed se chalang marne lage the, Shadab ne 4 din se roti nhi khayi. pic.twitter.com/bcCAi5LCDH — (@CallMeSheri1) June 10, 2024 Ahmed Shehzad on a TV show, in a video that has gone viral. “The kind of progress that was going on, these things were on the cards and bound to happen some day.” Shehzad feels Pakistan’s veteran players should’ve stepped up and taken responsibility of the team’s chase of 120 runs against India but they failed to do so. “There are players who are taking care of the team for the last 4-5 years, who take all the decisions. So wasn’t it their duty to take the responsibility of ensuring that the team chases down 120 to win such an important match against India?” Shehzad asked. “Aapne B, C, D teams ke khilaaf perform kar ke logon ko hallucinate kiya hai aur pagal banaya hai (you guys have performed against B, C, D teams and fooled the people),” Shehzad accused the team and further said: “Your salaries were hiked, PCB paid you to evolve yourself and your cricket…” Ahmed Shehzad, “King ka mai kya kro jisne mujhe match hi jeetwa ke nhi dena.” pic.twitter.com/kEYeuH8Nhj — (@CallMeSheri1) June 10, 2024 The discarded Pakistani batter claimed that 1400 of Babar’s runs in T20Is have come in the losing cause, which puts him at No. 3 spot in such a list. “Your (Babar) scores in big competitions…your average is 27 and strike rate is 112. And 1400 of your runs have come in a losing cause, which is at No. 3 in the world in that list. So these stats are of which king, tell me that? What should I do with this king who can’t win us the match?” said Shehzad. To conclude, Shehzad alleged that Babar got his friends into the team and fooled the entire public. “You have fooled the entire public. Aap apne dosto ke saath team bana rahe hain, dosto ko team ke andar rakh rahe hain (you are making a team with your friends, keeping your friends in the team),” said Shehzad. Topics mentioned in this article

Pakistan ‘Horrible’: Waqar Younis Rips Into Team After Letting Off India To Lose In T20 World Cup Thriller

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

Indian bowlers, led by an outstanding Jasprit Bumrah, snatched victory from the jaw of defeat against Pakistan. Chasing 120, Pakistan were 57/1 at the halfway stage before managing only 113/7 in 20 overs. Pakistan, who can oscillate between the sublime and ridiculous, seemed to have the game in the bag needing 48 runs off as many balls with eight wickets in hand. However, the pace combination of the ever-effective Bumrah (3/14) and Hardik Pandya (2/24) brought India back from the dead with incisive spells that saw Pakistan lose wickets in a heap to end at 113 for seven in 20 overs. Pakistan great Waqar Younis blasted his team after the loss. “India is such a good balanced side. If they don’t bat well, they know they have got Bumrah, they have got Siraj, they have got Jadeja. They have got their bowling also really really covered and fielding also. They are a super team. And Pakistan if you can’t win this game, then what should I say? This was in the plate given to you and you really spilled it,” Waqar Younis said on Star Sports. “It was a horrible performance from the Pakistani batters. There were few partnerships in the beginning, but could not really finish the game. The had the game was in the hand. It was run-a-ball. That shot from Rizwan was a very ordinary shot. And when his wicket went down, I knew it. I knew something very special gonna happen because we know capabilities of Bumrah and Siraj. And Hardik Pandya also bowled really good deliveries. It was more brilliance of India’s bowling than Pakistan’s poor batting.” Jasprit Bumrah showed why he’s one of the best bowlers in the world through his sensational spell of 3-14, including 15 dot balls, as India successfully defended 119 to beat Pakistan by six runs in a highly-anticipated Men’s T20 World Cup match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. After fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf took identical figures of 3-21 as Pakistan bowled out India for just 119 in 19 overs, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring via 42 off 31 balls, India clawed their way back in, thanks to Bumrah’s heroic spell, starting from him taking out Mohammad Rizwan. He also got excellent support from Hardik Pandya, who took 2-6 from two overs after conceding 18 in his first two overs. Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel took a wicket each to ensure Pakistan, who were 80/3 at one point, were restricted to 113/7, as India successfully defended their lowest total ever in T20Is in a remarkable low-scoring heist. With IANS and PTI inputs Topics mentioned in this article

“India Did Us A Favour”: Ex-PCB Chief’s Tears Into Pakistan, Says ‘Why Did You Let It Slip’

Danijones5 months ago03 mins

Pakistan squandered a golden opportunity to boost their T20 World Cup Super 8 chances, going down at the expense of arch-rivals India last week in New York. After bowling India out for a paltry total of 119, the Babar Azam-led side failed to take advantage of it. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya shared five wickets between them to restrict Pakistan to 113/6 in 20 overs, helping India put one foot in the next round of the tournament. While analysing the match, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja said India did Babar and co. “a favour by playing poorly”. Ramiz expressed his frustration over the fact that Pakistan failed to chase down a small total. “India did them a favour by playing poorly. Actually because they were playing like mavericks, otherwise they would have easily gotten to 140-150, which would have been beyond Pakistan. But because of their faulty shot-making and some good bowling, Pakistan came back into the game,” Ramiz told Cricbuzz in an interview. Ramiz also criticised wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for throwing away his wicket at a crucial juncture, especially when Pakistan were in control of the chase. For the record, Bumrah went through his defense after Rizwan tried to play a non-chalant pull over midwicket. Ramiz felt that Rizwan could’ve easily seen the game off and said that there was no need for him to play that shot. “Because Rizwan was the last man standing for Pakistan. You see, the thing that frustrates me is that when you’re chasing 120, even on a tricky pitch, even against a good bowling attack like India’s, all you need is one solid partnership. That’s it. No heroics were needed, no fours or sixes. You were going at six an over. Why did you let it slip? That’s got to do with temperament,” he added. Pakistan now face a must-win situation in their next game against Ireland as a defeat would put an end to their campaign in the group stage. India, on the other hand, need a win against USA to secure their passage into the next round. Topics mentioned in this article

Sandeep Lamichhane To Join Nepal T20 World Cup Squad In West Indies

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

Sandeep Lamichhane will join Nepal’s T20 World Cup squad in the West Indies after missing matches in the United States because his visa was denied, the cricket association said Monday. Nepal had originally wanted to select former skipper Lamichhane, who had an eight-year sentence for rape quashed on appeal, but his US visa was denied twice despite intense lobbying. The T20 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States and West Indies. “Nepali player Sandeep Lamichhane will leave for the West Indies for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup and join the Nepali national cricket team,” association secretary Paras Khadka said in a statement. Spin bowler Lamichhane, 23, was once the poster boy for cricket in Nepal, but was convicted for raping a young woman in a Kathmandu hotel in 2022. That was quashed last month. “I am now joining the national team for the last two matches in the West Indies and looking forward to fulfilling my dreams and the dream of all cricket lovers,” Lamichhane posted on X, formerly Twitter. “To all our cricket fans and people back home everywhere who prayed for me, I will forever be grateful for your blessings.” His social media posts with the announcement were welcomed by fans and filled with congratulatory messages. Nepal lost to the Netherlands by six wickets in their World Cup opener. They play Sri Lanka on Wednesday in Florida, before group matches in the West Indies against South Africa and Bangladesh. Before his rape trial, Lamichhane’s success as a leg-spinner had dramatically boosted the sport’s profile in the Himalayan republic. In 2022, when an arrest warrant was first issued, Lamichhane initially failed to return from Jamaica, where he was playing in the Caribbean Premier League. He was dismissed as national captain and arrested, but Nepal lifted his playing ban when he was freed on bail. It allowed him to keep playing, including at last year’s Asia Cup in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, until he was convicted in January. The conviction was quashed in mid-May. Cricket does not enjoy the same attention in Nepal as it does elsewhere in South Asia. But the sport has been growing in popularity, with Nepal given one-day international status by world governing body the ICC in 2018. Lamichhane was a major part of the rise as the most sought-after Nepali cricketer in lucrative T20 leagues around the world. The bowler’s big break came when he was snapped up for the Indian Premier League, the world’s richest cricket tournament, in 2018. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

T20 World Cup 2024, Match 10: Australia vs Oman Players To Watch Out for

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

However, Australia’s recent form is impressive, having won four out of their last five games, indicating a robust preparation and a formidable lineup. Players to Watch Out For Oman 1. Aqib Ilyas: A key player for Oman, Aqib Ilyas is a top-order right-handed batter who has scored 113 runs in his last five matches. Additionally, he contributes with the ball, having taken 11 wickets with his off-break bowling in recent games, making him a valuable all-rounder. 2. Zeeshan Maqsood: Another vital player for Oman, Zeeshan Maqsood is a top-order left-handed batter who has scored 86 runs in his recent matches. He also offers an additional bowling option with his slow left-arm orthodox, having taken six wickets in his last five games. His dual skills add significant depth to the team. 3. Mehran Khan: Mehran Khan is a reliable right-arm medium-fast bowler for Oman. He has taken two wickets in his last five matches, showcasing his ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs. His consistency and wicket-taking ability will be crucial for Oman in this match. Australia 1. Adam Zampa: For Australia, Adam Zampa is a standout performer with his leg-break googly bowling. In his last five matches, Zampa has taken 10 wickets, highlighting his prowess as a key wicket-taker. His performance will be pivotal in restricting Oman’s batting lineup. 2. Travis Head: A top-order left-handed batter, Australia’s Travis Head will be looking to make a significant impact. Although he has scored only 34 runs in his last five matches, Head’s potential to deliver big innings makes him a player to watch. 3. David Warner: Another crucial player for Australia, David Warner is known for his explosive batting at the top of the order. In his last five matches, Warner has scored 79 runs and his experience and aggressive style will be vital for setting a strong foundation for Australia. Conclusion Considering the strong lineup and recent form, Australia are expected to have an edge over Oman. However, Oman’s early momentum in the tournament and key players in form could make this a closely contested match. Fans can look forward to a captivating game as both teams aim to strengthen their position in the tournament. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

India vs Ireland Likely Playing XI, T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli To Open With Rohit Sharma?

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

India (IND) are set to face off against Ireland (IRE) in Match 8 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, but there still remain some questions about the playing combination Rohit Sharma’s team will opt for. The opening pairing has been debated around a lot, with Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal competing fo the second opener’s spot. Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant are also competing for the sole wicket-keeper’s spot while Shivam Dube’s role also remains in the spotlight. Ireland are playing their first game of the 2024 T20 World Cup season. They have had a decent run in the T20 format of late and have secured three wins and faced two losses in their last five matches. India too will be playing their first game of the 2024 T20 World Cup season. India have won four out of their last five matches, losing only one. But which players will be in the spotlight? India’s Predicted XI for T20 World Cup 2024 match against Ireland: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Players to Watch Out For in India vs Ireland match: India 1. Virat Kohli A prolific right-handed top-order batter, Kohli has been in fine form, scoring 33, 47, 27, 92, and 42 in his last five matches, averaging 48.2 runs per game. He is a top player to keep an eye on in the match against Ireland. 2. Jasprit Bumrah The right-arm fast bowler has been a consistent wicket-taker, claiming 7 wickets in his last five matches at an average of 13.1. One of the best bowlers in the T20 format, he will be a big threat to opposition batters. 3. Kuldeep Yadav The left-arm wrist spinner has an impressive record against Ireland, with notable performances including 3 and 4-wicket hauls in recent encounters against them. He has taken 9 wickets in his last five matches. Ireland 1. Mark Adair The right-arm fast bowler has been a standout performer for Ireland, taking 11 wickets in his last five matches and Adair will be keen to provide breakthroughs for his team. 2. Barry McCarthy Another key bowler for Ireland, McCarthy has taken 2 wickets in his last four matches and is known for his effective right-arm medium pace. 3. Harry Tector A promising right-handed top-order batter, Tector has scored 17 runs in his recent four matches and will be looking to improve his form in the upcoming match. Topics mentioned in this article

West Indies Pushed To Limit By Plucky PNG In Their T20 World Cup Opener

Danijones5 months ago05 mins

Two-time champions West Indies were put under extreme pressure by a plucky Papua New Guinea unit before scraping through with a five-wicket win in their 2024 T20 World Cup opener here on Sunday. Left-hander Sese Bau (50 off 43) made a fine half-century to take PNG to 136 for eight after the associate nation lost their first four wickets for 50 runs. A power-packed West Indies should have chased down the below-par total comfortably but PNG made them work hard for the win despite their limitations. PNG’s spinners as well medium pacers did not allow the hard-hitting West Indies batters to cut loose on a slow surface. The tournament co-hosts eventually got home in 19 overs thanks to rearguard action from Roston Chase (42 not out off 27 balls) and Andre Russell (15 off 9). The West Indies’ innings was halted for 20 minutes due to rain but there was no loss of overs. The passing shower arrived with the home team at 8 for one in the second over and it would have been two down at the same score had right-arm pacer Alei Nao won a lbw review for the dangerous Nicholas Pooran. After trapping Johnson Charles off his very first ball, Nao got another one to seam back in from short of length to leave Pooran stranded but luck was on the latter’s side. However, his scratchy effort ended when he was caught in the deep off left-arm spinner John Kariko. PNG skipper Assad Vala made it 63 for three inside 10 overs when he deceived opener Brandon King (34) in flight and had him caught at deep midwicket. Nerves increased in the West Indies dressing room when it became 97 for five in 16 overs before Chase and Russell got hold of the proceedings. After PNG were sent in to bat, Bau made instant impact on the big stage with his spirited effort. PNG, playing their second T20 World Cup, were reeling at 50 for four before Bau shared a 44-run stand with Charles Amini (12) to save them the blushes. Expecting the pitch to turn, the West Indies picked three spinners and put the opposition in after winning the toss. The help for the spinners was visible as early as the first over bowled by Akeal Hosein. However, it was pacer Romario Shepherd who picked the first wicket by having Tony Ura caught behind in the second over of the game. The ball seamed away, inducing a thick edge from the batter. Hosein got rid of number three Lega Siaka with an arm ball before Alzarri Joseph sent back Vala (21 off 22 balls). Vala came up with a couple of crisp hits in the cover region before being caught brilliantly by Roston Chase at backward point. Vala’s six over extra cover off spinner Chase in the previous over was one of the highlights of PNG’s innings. Bau then ensured that the odd boundary kept coming as PNG tried to consolidate their innings. Bau, a leftie like Vala, smashed left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie for a six and couple of fours to give the innings much needed momentum. After his departure, the associate nation did rather well to get close to the 140-run mark. Topics mentioned in this article

‘If You Put Shubman Gill And Rinku Singh Out…’: Ex-India Selector’s Blunt Take On T20 World Cup Squad

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

Former BCCI chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar feels India have one of the strong teams heading into the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. India take on Bangladesh in their only practice match of tournament on Saturday against Bangladesh, days before kicking off their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland in New York on June 5. The Indian team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, arrived in New York earlier this week to begin their preparations for the tournament. Speaking at a recent event, Vengsarkar suggested that India have one of strongest squads in the tournament, despite the fact that they left out key players like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh from the 15 man squad. “The current Indian team, I think, is one of the best in the world, I would say. If you could, you know, put a Gill out or Rahul or Rinku Singh out, I’m sure it’s a very strong team. And I wish them all the success. Because, I think, it’s one of the best in the world at the moment”, Vengsarkar said at an event at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Gill and Rinku have joined the team as travelling reserves while Rahul was missing from both the lists. Vengsarkar also pointed out that due to the uncertain nature of the format, any player can be a match-winner on a particular day. “The key players would like to play an important role in this T20 World Cup. It’s very difficult to say in this format because everybody is a very important member of the team. But the thing is that, as you have seen in IPL, the first six were very important. How you give a good start in the first six was very important. And of course, in this format, anything can happen. But I can’t say X, Y or Z is a key player in the team. In this format, anybody can win the match at any time of the match,” he added. India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Ireland, Canada and T20 World Cup co-hosts USA. Virat Kohli was absent from the team training this week as he is due to reach New York few hours before India’s warm-up match. Topics mentioned in this article

England Star Banned From Cricket For Three Months Over Betting Offences

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

England paceman Brydon Carse has been banned from all cricket for three months for betting violations, it was announced Friday. The 28-year-old, who was called into England’s 50-over World Cup squad six months ago, was given a 16-month sanction — 13 months of which have been suspended — following an anti-corruption investigation by the English game’s Cricket Regulator. Carse, who signed an England central contract in October, accepted the charges of placing 303 bets on various cricket matches between 2017 and 2019, though not on games in which he was playing. As a result, the Durham quick still contravened integrity rules meaning no “professional participant” (player, coach or other support staff) is permitted to bet on any cricket anywhere in the world. South Africa-born Carse, a veteran of 17 white-ball internationals for England, will now be suspended immediately from playing in any cricket until August 28. But provided he does not commit any further anti-corruption offences over the next two years, Carse will not face any further sanctions. “Whilst these bets were several years ago, that is no excuse and I take full responsibility for my actions,” Carse said in a statement on Durham’s website. “I would like to thank the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), Durham Cricket and the PCA (England’s Professional Cricketers’ Association) for their support during this difficult time for me. “I will be working hard in the next 12 weeks to ensure that I repay that support on the field when I am able to return to playing.” An ECB spokesperson said: “We take these matters extremely seriously and do not condone any form of anti-corruption breach in cricket. “We support the Cricket Regulator’s decision and their consideration of the mitigating factors in Brydon’s case. “He has co-operated and shown remorse for his actions. We are satisfied that Brydon has shown growth in the five years since this breach and has demonstrated a greater understanding of his responsibilities. “We are hopeful that his case can serve as an educational example for other cricketers.” Carse’s most recent appearance for England came during a one-day international against the West Indies in Antigua in December last year. His ban effectively rules him out of a Test debut this season, with the last of England’s six matches in the format in their home summer, against Sri Lanka at The Oval starting on September 6, commencing just over a week after Carson’s suspension ends. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article